Despite the fact that no pristine copy of this tape has ever surfaced, I am very thankful for ANY copy of this extraordinary show. Extraordinary on many counts. Extraordinary that of all places, Des Moines, would play host to a rarity, THREE full sets of the Dead. For only a 3 show run (Des Moines, UC Santa Barbara and the more famous Kezar SF show) did the band, pregnant with new material, treat fans to a three-set display of the band in the peak of their powers. Drippy, rubbery but tight. Major contributions from every corner of the stage. Jazz, really. Highlights aplenty. One moment stands out in my mind. During a nicely played Here Comes Sunshine, many nasty Midwest thunderclouds began to make their routine appearance. The band lilted on through the song and during the extended jam portion of the song, the impending rainstorm looked like a done deal. And in a moment that could still be debated as one of those indelibly magic, "Dead Moments", as the band emerged from the jam into the last, "Here Comes Sunshine", chorus, The sun cut through the clouds, revealing not one, but a perfect DOUBLE rainbos behind the stage. No, I didn't imagine it. Confirmed by others who attended the show. Thanks forever to the band for tatooing my soul with their gifts and to the Archive for keeping it all alive for generations to marvel at. Beyond that indelible moment, it was a show for the ages. Jer wah in the jams, that sweet "Western" flavor of the ballads, impeccable ensemble work on a perfect day and as I said, a band in the pocket of the peak of their playing powers. I would never be more happy to be in Iowa, as incongruous as that sounds!